For the past decade, the USO Northwest has hosted its Seattle Golf Tournament which highlighted competition between Army, Marine, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and National Guard members.

"Due to (the golf tournament's) success," began Donald Leingang, executive director, USO Northwest, "we were thinking about other competitions that the military would enjoy that did not require a sunny day."

"Bowling was suggested, and the military really liked the idea of competing on the bowling lanes."

He added that for military bowlers, the event is competitive; for military families, it is enjoyable; and for the sponsoring partners, it is informative."

On Feb. 20, the USO Northwest and GEICO Military will serve as presenting sponsors for the 4th Annual USO Northwest All American Oh-Pin Bowling Classic & Family Bowling Night.

The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m., and it is free -- including shoes -- to military families.

Thanks to their friends at Bass Pro Shops Tacoma, the classic event will occur at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill, which is inside the store.

"Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl features hand-painted murals and underwater scenery filled with sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and many fish hanging from the ceiling, providing bowlers with a truly unique, underwater experience," explained Leingang.

The six military teams will be comprised of four bowlers, each bowling one game. After the first round, all team scores will be combined and the two highest scoring teams will bowl against each other for bragging rights as the 2020 USO Northwest Bowling Classic Champion and to raise the prized USO Northwest All American Oh-Pin Bowling Classic Trophy.

"To my knowledge, this is an event only offered by the USO Northwest," added Leingang.

"We like the competition, but we also like the fact that our sponsors enjoy the event, as well ... and GEICO Military and Bass Pro Shops have partnered with us to bring back this classic tournament."

Leingang also said that designing events where the sponsors are able to meet and connect with military members is also a priority for the USO.

"There are (civilians) that live in the area that have never spoken to a military member," said Leingang, "and events like these allow for an exchange of topics like what it is like to serve or what is it like to be away from family during a deployment."

Please note: Participants must register online for their free family bowling night at eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-uso-northwest-all-american-oh-pin-bowling-classic-family-bowling-night-tickets-90054889599?aff=ebdssbdest.?